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Look, David knows the world is a scary place. But he thinks he‘s managing pretty well, considering. There are just some things that would scare everyone. Thunderstorms? Scary. Fireworks? Scary. The vet? Scary. The Queen? Terrifying. And then there’s Mr. Wobbles. David is not scared of him per se. But that damn cat is just mean. And rude. David once watched him throw a glass of water down a table while looking Henry in the eye. In the eye! That cat is a bastard and has no respect whatsoever.
Henry. Henry is David‘s everything. The world is less scary when his favourite human is with him. When they cuddle on the couch, or on an armchair in the library. Just cuddling in general is great, and makes him feel secure. With Henry. David would never cuddle with Mr. Wobbles, heaven forbid.
Henry is often scared, or just very sad and quiet, curling up on bed all day. So obviously, protecting Henry from scary things is David's number one duty. Sometimes, when Henry has a panic attack, David jumps into Henry‘s lap so that his human can hug him and calm down. When Henry is very sad and cries lying on the bed, David is happy to be the little spoon and just lets his human slowly ruffle his hands through his fur. Just in general, David always tries to stay close to Henry, just in case his cuddling services are needed. But even though David is doing his very best, he cannot always make Henry feel better all by himself.
But lately, he had help. There was another human. Alex. Very loud. At first, David was sceptical about the intrusion into his and Henry’s little world. Was David not doing a good job? Was he not a good enough boy? But then he realized how much more Henry was smiling, and how less frequent his dark days had become. And Alex is great, David likes him very much. He also is a great cuddler and constantly sneaks David his favourite snacks. So he has accepted Alex into their little pack and together they can protect Henry.
But now. Something must have happened. David has never seen Henry so sad for days. He came back after a few days with a suitcase and is barely eating or sleeping. He‘s completely retreated from life and just stares into blank space in between crying. And Alex is nowhere to be seen.
Currently, Henry is reading a book while crying silent tears. David is sitting on his thighs and feels helpless. He’s out of ideas on how to make his human feel better. He desperately needs Alex‘s help. But how can he get ahold of him? David doesn‘t know where Alex stays when he is not with Henry. But wait - maybe it was Alex who made Henry sad? No, that is not possible. Alex and Henry belong together. With David. That‘s it.
While David thinks about bowing down and asking his nemesis Mr. Wobbles for help, he hears a commotion downstairs. An intruder? As Henry’s protector, he needs to get into position. Should he stay next to him? Or better guard the door? While David is still contemplating the best course of action, he pauses. Is that Alex‘s voice? He looks at Henry - he hasn’t reacted yet. But obviously, as a guard dog, David has excellent hearing. Yes, that is Alex’s voice. David jumps down the bed and sprints towards the stairs. He needs to get to Alex and bring him to Henry immediately.
Running down, he almost tips over a vase and almost trips over his paws twice, but he is on a mission and does not stop for anything. Finally, he arrives at the entry and sees him. Yes, it is Alex. His second favourite human. He animately yells at Shaan while some palace guards try to stare him down and look very close to throwing him out. But not on David‘s watch. He needs Alex to come with him, and starts barking.
But they all just look at him briefly, and then continue yelling, ignoring David. For heaven‘s sake. He jumps forward, biting Alex‘s pant leg, and tries to herd him towards the stairs. Alex looks at him fondly and starts walking with him. But then, a guard and Shaan step in their way. David is starting to get impatient. Henry needs Alex immediately!
David knows he’s not the biggest dog, and he is certainly not as mean as Mr. Wobbles. But a lot is at stake, so he starts to growl very loudly, standing in front of Alex, facing Shaan and the guard. David is sure they seem startled, so it seems to be working. He starts showing his teeth together with his most terrifying growl, slowly walking towards them. And alas, they move away! David has never been so proud of himself. He almost scared himself with his growling. But now, the mission can continue.
He grabs Alex’s pant leg again and quickly drags him upstairs and into Henry’s room until they stop right in front of Henry‘s bed. Who looks downright terrified. Probably of David‘s genius. Now Alex starts yelling at Henry, and Henry jumps up from his bed and starts yelling at Alex. Why is everyone yelling at each other today? Apparently, David’s mission is not yet done and his services are still in need. Henry and Alex just need to hug, and cuddle, and they will make each other happy again. And then they can cuddle David. He is very much looking forward to that.
But how to get them to hug? David looks around. The humans are still standing in front of each other yelling, and currently pay no attention to him. Henry‘s back is to his bed. And suddenly, David knows what to do. He jumps up on the bed, walks to the headboard, and starts taking a run. At the end of the bed, he jumps with full force into Henry‘s back.
Henry lets out a startled cry, stumbling towards Alex. And then takes him down, falling on top of Alex. Hmm. That was not necessarily David’s intention, but perhaps this is even better. He decides to stay on Henry’s back, pinning him down so he has to stay on the floor with Alex. David hears them yelling his name, but he doesn‘t care. Sometimes, when on a mission, one has to make sacrifices. And wait, what is this? Are they… laughing? Did the plan work?
David jumps down to investigate, standing next to their faces. Yes, they are definitely laughing, and smiling at each other. Henry is smiling! Also still crying, but David takes it. He starts licking both their faces until they shove him away. The audacity. But then, Henry and Alex both grab him to put him in their middle while lying next to each other on the floor, and ruffling David‘s head.
This is it, this is the proudest David has ever been of himself. He is the bestest dog. And together, Henry and Alex and David can cuddle forever, and protect each other. And cuddle. So that the world is a little bit less scary.